The Best Shed... Metal, Plastic or Wood?

If you are feeling a bit cautious about storage garages for sale, maybe you should be. 

What do you do when you run out of storage in your own home? As with any body that has more stuff than room, your options for getting more storage space are limited to adding on to your current house, which is an expense that most of us can't afford, renting a storage unit, which means that only being able to access your stuff whenever they are open and finally a storage shed which you can place on your own property. You're thinking about a storage shed and don't know where to start. There are so many choices out there and so many manufacturers but what is the right storage shed for your needs?

Now for some, adding on to their own homes means that they can build it up any way they want, it might not be just for storage. Extra rooms, a play area, a new bedroom or TV room. Building an addition to your house means planning, paying for permits, getting permission from a HOA (if there is one) and time. Renting a storage space means trusting someone else to look after your own stuff, as well as, having to take time from your busy schedule to run over to the storage facility, hoping that the item or items you're looking for are still there. Building or placing your own storage shed gives you the best of both worlds. You can access your storage anytime you want, build it any way you like and you can choose any style available. Storage sheds afford the home owner several options that they can exercise.

Metal Sheds

These are made from thin sheet metal panels, generally galvanized steel, aluminum or corrugated iron. Attached to a metal frame, metal sheds are good for long-term installations. Useful when fire, rot and pests are a concern. Metal can rust and corrode if you are using non galvanized steel. If you are planning on installing a metal shed, care should be taken when using a concrete floor. Concrete flooring is corrosive and can cause damage to panels that touch it. To over come this, use treated lumber on top of a concrete pad to keep the damage to a minimum.

Plastic Sheds

These are made from PVC and are less expensive than metal sheds. Easily constructed with plastic molded sides and roofs attached to a metal frame, the sheds are less susceptible to dent, weather rot and pests, requiring little to no maintenance and don't have to be maintained with a preservative to keep the rot out. Plastic sheds are also easy to expand, adding lights, sky lights, windows, extra storage and other accessories as you need. You need to also add in a floor such as concrete or wood and it needs to be purchased separately.

Wooden sheds

Wood sheds are a more natural, aesthetically pleasing shed. Stronger and more durable than vinyl or metal sheds, wood sheds need more maintenance than wood or vinyl. Rot, mildew, mold, split wood and other issues can cause problems with the wood shed if it is not treated and maintained consistently. Because wood is such an easy product to work with, adding accessories such as windows, trim, and extra storage is a little easier with wood sheds than metal or vinyl because you can use readily available tools and materials and wood is a renewable resource.

What it comes down to is this. What are your needs for storage? Do you require a large amount? Does it need to have a car port attached or do you just want to store a few things away for the holidays or special times of year? May be you just add a small unit to your yard so you can park your lawnmower and put gardening tools away. Some sheds require building permits because of their size, make sure that you have all the permits and permissions necessary to build a storage shed on your property.

To talk more about this, or anything else, as always, give us a call!  Call Us.

Four Ways A Two-Story Double Garage Will Enhance Your Home

Garages used to be a place that people stored and worked on their cars and not much else. But, that's not the case anymore, these days, garages are an extension of the home. A two-story double garage has so many uses beyond parking your car that it might just surprise you. The second floor could be converted into a video game room for the kids, a workshop, office or even a living space, and the list goes on.

Create Your Own Work Space

In most homes, it's hard to find the space to work on crafts, art or other projects from start to finish. If you're lucky, you'll be able to carve out a place in the basement where it's dark and cold. But the reality is you're not going to be inspired to get started and you certainly won't want to stay for long. You'll be much more creative and productive if you have your own private studio to work in. Plus, when you're finished for the day, you can leave everything right where it is so you can pick up where you left off.

A Quiet, Private Home Office

Whether you just need a place to balance your checkbook and pay your bills, or you work at home, you need a quiet place. It's nearly impossible to keep facts and figures straight with the television blaring, the kids hollering and the dog running around. Besides that, it's incredibly easy to lose an important document in all the chaos. With a private office that's separate from the rest of the home, you can rest assured that all your paperwork stays in order and that you'll stay focused.

Create Extra Living Space

In today's economic climate, it's common for adult children and their spouses to move in with mom and dad. Moving into their old bedroom might seem like a great idea, but, it's not quite the same as when they were a kid. Back then, you wanted to hear everything that was going on so you could assure their safety. As an adult though, privacy is incredibly important for them and you. Converting the second floor of your garage into an efficiency apartment is a great way to help them out without giving up any of your own space.

A Recreation Room for the Kids

Kids love to play air hockey or video games, but when they are with their friends things can get rowdy. And listening to all those noises can drive a parent crazy, after a while. Unless you've got sound proof walls, or they're wearing headphones, there's no way to avoid it. Or is there? The room above your new garage can be used for just that. There they can get as loud as they want and you will always know where to find them!

These are just a few of the ways that a two-story double garage can be used to enhance your home. We're quite sure you've got some fantastic ideas yourself. However, if you would like some more ideas, or if you have any questions, contact us . We'll be more than happy to help you.

The Dangers of Burning Wet Wood and Why You Need A Firewood Shed

Burning wood can be a cheap and efficient way to heat your home if done correctly, but burning wood that has not been properly dried and stored can be dangerous to your home, your family's health, and you wallet. There are numerous dangers involved in burning wet wood, listed below are a few of the top issues.

Burning Wet Wood Contributes to Chimney Fires

When wood is burned it releases hydrocarbon gases. Once heated to around 1100 degrees F, the gases mix with air and catch fire. When the fire in your fireplace smolders, unburned gases condense and deposit in the flue where they harden and turn to creosote. A cold flue and wet wood encourage this condensation. If this creosote catches fire, it can burn with so much intensity that the mortar will crumble and balls of flaming creosote will shoot out of the top of the chimney. In severe cases, the masonry in the chimney can expand with such force that sections of the chimney will blow out and explode into the home. 

Burning Wet Wood Can Create Health Problems

Burning wet wood creates far more smoke than burning wood that has been properly dried. Fine particles in the smoke enter your lungs and can cause heart and breathing problems. Children and older adults are most at risk. In fact, studies have shown that people who heat their homes with wood have more breathing problems than people who do not. Children in wood burning homes are also more likely to exhibit lung and breathing problems. 

Burning Wet Wood Actually Costs More Than Properly Dried Wood

When you add a wet piece of wood to your fire, the water in the wood turns to steam as it heats up. This steam mixes with the exhaust gas and extinguishes the secondary burn. This effect will actually cut your heat output by up to 50%. The result is you are forced to use more wood in an attempt to heat your home comfortably.

Burning wet wood is dangerous to your health and home. Wood should be stored for at least six months or ideally a year to be dry enough to burn properly. Dry wood creates a hotter fire with less work and less wood. The best way to properly dry wood is to use a firewood shed. A shed allows you to keep your wood dry and allows a large enough place to store cut firewood for at least six months. 

To find a firewood shed that is both useful and attractive, contact us. Our friendly staff will help you choose a shed that will keep your firewood dry and allow for maximum fireplace efficiency.

Attached vs. Detached Garages: The Great Debate

Short and sweet: here are six ways detached garages are a better idea. 

• Burglars beware: detached garages are less of a security threat. Not that we are hoping this happens, but if a burglar breaks into your garage They can't, necessarily, break into your home as well. If your garage is attached to the house, that left over thanksgiving turkey is looking pretty temping. 

• We all know it, exhaust gas and oil fumes aren't good for you. Keep those smells away from the house. If not, you may be dreaming of oil cans instead of sugar plums. 

• Privacy is a good thing. With a detached garage you can keep your man cave/workshop away from the house. Your wife will appreciate not hearing the game while she's cooking. 

• Trying to add an apartment? It's easier to add it over a detached garage. Plus, if it's not attached to the house it will be easier to rent it out when you're not using it. 

• The last and sweetest part of the deal: usually it is easier to obtain a permit for a detached structure. This can vary by state, but we have lots of resources to make getting your permits easier. 

Depending on the size of your lot, you could be limited as to how big an attached garage can be. For this reason, a detached garage on the back of your property might make better sense. In many cases, you also can build a larger structure, without compromising the look of your house. 

These are only a few solid reasons. We could go on for days why detached garages are far superior to attached garages, but if you want to hear more of them, give us a call. Contact us..

What You Didn't Know About Detached Garages and Your Homeowner's Insurance

Today's detached garages are often beautifully, carefully crafted structures that families use for extra storage space, a home office, or even just extra room for the kids to play. With endless options including a single car garden A frame garage, 2 story single car garages, doublewide garages, and mega garages there is a perfect garage for whatever your needs. Many people meticulously plan their new garage, choosing the correct siding, selecting windows, and dreaming of intricately designed carriage style garage doors. However, there is one vital detail that is often over looked. Consumers often make the devastating mistake of assuming their new structure is automatically covered under their homeowner's insurance policy. 

Your homeowner's insurance policy will most often divide your property coverage into two categories, the dwelling and other structures. Coverage for the dwelling cover's one's home and attached structures. Generally, if a structure on the property shares a foundation with the main home, then it is covered under this portion of the policy. 

Homeowner's insurance companies define other structures as all other buildings on a property that do not share a foundation with the main home. This would include detached garages and storage sheds. The most important note to remember about this type of coverage is that standard policies generally only provide 10% of the dwelling insurance coverage. This means that if your home is insured for $150,000, then your other structures coverage could be as little at $15,000. 

When designing your ideal detached garage, it is important to discuss possible replacement costs with your builder. They are experts in the field that can help guide you in the amount of insurance that would adequately cover any possible damage and replacement of your detached garage. A thorough review with your insurance agent can help determine your coverage and assist you in adding the necessary coverage as needed. 

Contact us for assistance in selecting the perfect detached garage for your needs. Our friendly and helpful staff is proud to offer the best selection of hand-made garages by the best Amish craftsmen. They understand the importance of selecting a functional, aesthetically pleasing detached garage as well as ensuring your structure is protected for the future. 

Five Questions To Ask About Storage Garages For Sale

There are a lot of things to consider when adding a storage garage to your property. Chances are, you are not an expert in storage garages and you need a little guidance. When looking at storage garages for sale, here are five things that you should ask the seller.

1. Are You The Manufacturer? Very often, companies that sell storage garages are not the actual manufacturer, they are simply a vendor. Purchasing from an authorized dealer can cost you a substantial amount more. Dealers add a premium to everything that they sell in order to cover their expenses for employees, insurance, transportation and a myriad of other expenses. When you buy from the manufacturer directly, you eliminate the middle-man, and that means saving big money. With fewer additional expenses, they can afford to offer you a better price without having to “put it on sale” to do so.
2. What Options Are Available? In order to assure that your new storage garage compliments rather than detracts from your home, you want to have options. Although the size and basic shape of the garage may suit your needs, there are other important things to consider. The style of the building, type of exterior finish, door styles and sizes, number, size and style of windows, loft space and insulation are just some of the things to consider.
3. Is Site Preparation Included? A flat, level area that has been properly prepared is extremely important for the longevity of your garage. Most times, this is not included in the price or service that is offered.If you are responsible for preparing the site, including pouring the concrete pad for the structure, you'll have to plan well in advance. As this is a very important part of the process, you may want to consider hiring a professional to do the prep work for you to assure the site is ready on time.
4. How Will It Be Delivered/Installed? Some companies will only deliver a pre-made structure to your location once you've prepared the site. This can put you in a slightly sticky position if there is not enough clearance for the truck and trailer to get in because of neighboring structures, trees or other obstacles. If this is the case for your property, a company that is able and willing to build the garage for you on-site is a better option. Often, the price will be higher due to the additional employees and work that is required.
5. Is There A Guarantee Of Quality? Good workmanship is the hallmark of a trustworthy and long-lived organization. The types of materials that are used along with the construction practices should come with a guarantee that covers defects or other issues. Carefully consider the guarantee and what it covers before making any decisions. The last thing that you want is to run into a situation where a faulty roof or inadequate framing job results in damage to your property. Get the guarantee in writing and hold them to it should you encounter a problem.
   
   

A storage garage is a major investment for your home and property and you should never settle for less than what you want and need. By asking the questions above, you'll be a step closer to finding the ultimate solution to your storage problems. If you want to learn more, contact us. We're always happy to help homeowners find the best storage garage solutions for their specific needs.

5 Double Garage Trends Coming in 2015 You Should Consider

Many of today's home designs feature street-facing double garages, which means that a high percentage of the curb appeal comes from whatever is covering that space. The latest trend is to upgrade garage doors from the typical white raised panel with ones that feature unique patterns, colors, and windows. The trends coming next year might just surprise you.

1. Bigger is better. Face it, garages are getting built bigger, wider, and taller all the time. Whether you are building or renovating, a big door makes a statement and also has the ability to accommodate whatever vehicle you wish to contain behind it. 

2. Garage doors as statement pieces. As we mentioned above, a bigger door makes it own statement, but so can smaller doors. They can actually make quite a bold statement about your house just by changing the type of door you have, choosing arched windows, or adding a coat of paint other than a standard color. Consider a door with bronzed aluminum and glass or flush steel doors in get-your-attention colors. You could upgrade your vintage look with a custom design that sets your house apart from the others.

3. Let the colors shine in 2015. Why should front doors have all the fun? They stopped being white years ago. Most color palettes are offered as a no-cost option on many different designs so why not let your garage reflect your style-- whether that be traditional sandstone, bold black, or every color in between.

4. Go with the grain. Did you know that you can get woodgrain paint in a variety of tones? Make the most of a resilient steel door by adding the beauty and strength that looks like real wood. 

5. Let technology open doors. You are aware that most doors can be opened and closed straight from your cellphone or laptop with an app? No more worrying over giving out a code or sharing keys. Most garage doors can be checked from anywhere in the world, regardless of how far from home you are. New garage door openers now include battery backup, quiet belt drives, door monitors, and side-belt installation,  guaranteeing you quick and quiet access to your garage is only a button press away.

As you can see, what 2015 will show us in garage door trends is turning what used to be an eyesore into a work of art, increasing the value of your home while making a statement of its own, and quite possibly giving you the edge on your neighborhood competition. To discuss your specific needs or to connect with a qualified agent, feel free to contact us anytime.